Post by JM Saber-Slinger on Mar 21, 2011 16:09:29 GMT -5
And we can always wave our hand and say, "Of course this is a real lightsaber".
And with the kids, you're right... it depends. I had a little girl ask me once if Star Wars was real.... she was kind of scared/overwhelmed by all of the big guys in buckets. So I said, "no honey, it's pretend, and we came today to pretend with you and help with this ___(charity event)___."
Thanks everyone... these are all excellent and creative answers!
Any more??I like these answers the best.
Explaining the technical aspects of the lightsaber prop to potentially-sneering adults seems to be the best and most diplomatic way. One could meet derision with escalated derision, but where would that lead?
Spelling it out to children that it's just pretend is also a good idea, I think. I don't like the idea of lying to children, even if we tell ourselves "it's all in good fun." I like the idea of telling them that it's a fantasy, we know it, but we do it anyway because we think it's fun.
For example:
Kid: "Are you a real Jedi?"
Costumer: "No, I am not, but today, I am pretending to be one -- kind of like how people wear a costume for Halloween. Jedi are make-believe or pretend characters from Star Wars movies, video games, TV shows, books and the like."
Kid: "So, that's not a REAL lightsaber?"
Costumer: "Well, it's not real like you might see in the movies. It's a make-believe lightsaber, kind of like how I'm pretending to be a Jedi, so I have a pretend lightsaber. It's part of the costume and I like playing with it."
Kid: "So, your lightsaber is like a toy?
Costumer: "Actually, it IS a toy. It's rather expensive, but it's a toy nonetheless."
Kid: "Aren't you too old to be playing pretend and playing with toys?"
Costumer: "That's the great thing about being an adult. You can work, get a job, start a business or do something to earn yourself some money. And, because it's money you earned yourself, you can spend that same money any way you wish. Some people make money and buy homes, invest in the stock market, or they might go to strip clubs and blow the entire paycheck on booze, lap dances and hookers. Then, they get fat and catch loathsome veneral diseases like herpes and AIDS, and then they die a slow and agonizing death. As for myself, I'd rather play Halloween throughout the year, and maybe go to a charity event to help a sick and dying child crack one last smile."
Kid: "I'm not sure what you said or what that was all about, but I'm telling Mommy."
Costumer: "Is your Mommy hot?"
Kid: "Nahhh. She's really ancient. She's like 25 years old already."
(cute girl with white costume bird wings walks by)
Kid: (to cute girl) "Are you an angel?"
